Arranging tunes for a group – all instruments welcome. With Sam Humphreys21st century ‘remix’ concepts meet 17th century folk music. As a group, we’ll look at different approaches to creating a unique arrangement of an old traditional tune in your band or ensemble.

Instant harmonica – absolute beginners welcomewith Aidan Sheehan. Learn to play the “pocket accordion” / “Mississippi Saxophone” / “Tin Sandwich” aka harmonica and have lots of fun. Bring along your own ten-holed diatonic harmonica in the key of G. Learn real folk tunes in one user-friendly session. Aidan will supply easy to read harp tabs which you can keep.

Song writing made easyHuw Williams teaches the skills of and methods used to compose your own song. Tips and tricks on how to develop your own melody and lyrics. Whether you’re a serious song writer or just want to have fun this workshop is for you. No musical instrument or ability to play one needed, but you can bring an instrument if you like.

Social dancesFolk dancer Eirlys Phillips of local dance team Dawnswyr Talog with dances from the Welsh social dance tradition created by Pat Shaw, whose centenary it is this year. No experience or partner necessary, it’s all about having fun.

Saturday 3.45-5.15

Rhythm patterns for your tunes – for any accompanying instrument. With Sam HumphreysLearn, challenge, and master different strumming techniques and rhythmical patterns that can accompany traditional music, with Sam from Calan. Give your instrument a more dynamic impact when playing reels, jigs and slip jigs

Harp special with Sioned WebbA workshop especially for harpists with composer, arranger, tutor and performer Sioned Webb. Sioned will be discussing and exploring the Welsh tradition of variations on Welsh airs. This will include the historical examples and also the innovative and contemporary electronic looping, a method she herself has been recently experimenting with. A warm welcome to everyone – bring your harps – lever, triple, Celtic or even the pedal.

Folk song session – bring a song, sing alongBethan Rhiannon leads a sing-along session from the Welsh song tradition and beyond. Unison songs, songs in harmony, familiar songs and some less familiar ones – bring a song you’d like to sing or lead, or just come and join in.

Clogging! (Do either or both)Have a go at clogging with Huw (45 mins): Now’s your chance to try clog dance in the Welsh style – or refresh your steps. There’ll be a number of pairs of clogs available to borrow, and you’re guaranteed to be dancing by the end.followed by Clocs Ffit! with Tudur (40 mins): Aerobics meets Welsh clogging in the new fitness trend pioneered by our clog tutor Tudur Phillips. Learn clog steps and gym moves in this taster session, no experience needed and lots of clogs available for you to borrow. Wear light/comfortable clothes because it gets sweaty in Tudur’s clog gym!

Chops and grooves – rhythmic accompaniment for your tunes. With Jordan Price WilliamsJordan, who plays with inspiring new Welsh folk bands Vri, No Good Boyo and Elfen, lets us into some of his rhythm secrets. Suitable for cellos, harps, fiddles – any stringed instrument.

Love, Death and Trains: narrative song. Bring voices or instrumentsMorgan Jones o’r Dolau Gwyrddion, Y Blotyn Du – ballads of doomed lovers, greed, murder and mistaken identity; and Cân y Trên, a journey in song. In this musically illustrated talk, Guto will look at the stories that lie behind the ballads, their history and their tunes, as well as performing them. Feel welcome to bring your voices and instruments for the participatory bits.

Clogging! (Do either or both)Have a go at clogging with Huw (45 mins: Now’s your chance to try clog dance in the Welsh style – or refresh your steps. There’ll be a number of pairs of clogs available to borrow, and you’re guaranteed to be dancing by the end.followed by Clocs Ffit! with Tudur (40 mins): Aerobics meets Welsh clogging in the new fitness trend pioneered by our clog tutor Tudur Phillips. Learn clog steps and gym moves in this taster session, no experience needed and lots of clogs available for you to borrow. Wear light/comfortable clothes because it gets sweaty in Tudur’s clog gym!

Sunday 3.45-5.15

Instrument ensemble workshopAll levels and all instruments are welcome at this workshop with our Advanced group tutor Patrick Rimes of Calan. Expect imaginative arrangements of tunes from the Welsh tradition.

Fiddle special: bowing and ornamentationWith Calan’s fiddler Angharad Jenkins. Let’s get back to basics – improving tone and intonation. You don’t always have to play fast! Suitable for beginners to intermediate level.

Canu Haf – Welsh summer carols with Arfon GwilymA session of Welsh summer carols. Some background and lots of singing together. (Carols from the newly published ‘Canu Haf’ which will be available at the BEAM shop)

How to put together a clog routineWith Huw Williams. Dance in the Welsh style using Welsh patterns. How to use a broom, the best way to put a candle out with your feet. Tricks & tips from the master – open to dancers of all abilities and genders!